FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 26, 2001 CONTACT: Lisa Lacher, (515) 271-3119 DRAKE LAUNCHES BUSINESS PLANNING CLASS AIMED AT DIRECT FARM MARKETERS The Drake University Agricultural Law Center is launching a new program called "Growing Your Small Market Farm" to assist small-farm direct marketers in Iowa. This unique business-planning curriculum was designed for small specialty producers by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, with support from US West Foundation. The classes at Drake, which begin Saturday, Feb. 3, are co-sponsored by the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center at Drake. "This is just what is needed to help small direct farm marketers become financially successful in Iowa," said Neil Hamilton, director of the Agricultural Law Center and chair of the Iowa Food Policy Council. "There is a growing demand for fresh, local foods, but more producers are needed to meet the demand. This program will not only help existing farmers plan for successful marketing, but it will also assist new farmers and support the local food efforts in Iowa." "Growing Your Small Market Farm" will meet Saturday mornings from Feb. 3 through April 17. The course is especially targeted to people who wish to raise vegetables, flowers, herbs, specialty livestock, or prairie and native grass seed. The program is being coordinated by Penny L. Brown, a local direct farm marketer and business consultant. It will be held in the Drake University Legal Clinic at 24th Street and University Avenue in Des Moines. The cost of the program is $395 per farm and includes a set of materials and support for developing a marketing plan. The program's focus is to teach important and necessary tools for building a profitable farm business. Participating farmers will be encouraged to complete their own business plans and will be trained to use Quick Books for financial statements. Guest speakers will address issues such as legal concerns, opportunities for marketing on the Internet, and what it will take to successfully market each farm in the future. The new Drake program is possible due to support from several sponsors, including the Iowa Agricultural Development Authority, Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, the Iowa Department of Economic Development, and Iowa State University Cooperative Extension. The program has been endorsed by the Iowa Network for Community Agriculture, The Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture, Practical Farmers of Iowa, the Iowa Food Policy Council and the Greater Des Moines Chefs' Association. For more information or a brochure, please contact Program Administrator Penny L. Brown at (515) 278-2934 or BrownPennyL@cs.com.